Burn Permits

Spring and fall are times for many people to clean out gardens, rake leaves, prune trees and trim bushes. Although the Village of Waunakee collects brush during specific times of the year (see Special Waste Collection for more details), some residents may want to burn some of their yard and garden waste or construction debris.

You may request a burn permit via our online form. HOWEVER you must receive a confirmation email or phone call from us acknowledging and approving the burn.

IF YOU LIVE WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF WAUNAKEE:

You are not permitted to burn any amount of yard waste, brush or construction debris whatsoever under any circumstances. (See the Waunakee Village Ordinance Sec. 37-38. Open Burning.) Burning of these items in typical quantities creates excessive amounts of smoke which is both a nuisance and unhealthy. However, exterior recreational burning of dry wood is allowed so long as it is done so under the following conditions:

Completely within the confines of a fire pit or bowl / device which controls the release of sparks and embers (i.e. covered);

Continually supervised by an adult and extinguished if to be left unattended;

A fire extinguisher, garden hose or other fire control device is present;

Located at least 15 feet away from any structure, and never on a porch, deck or patio constructed of combustible materials;

Discontinued if unsafe open burning atmospheric conditions exist (i.e. winds in excess of ten miles per hour, dry weather conditions);

Discontinued if it becomes a nuisance for other properties, obstructs vehicular traffic or is a health concern of others.

Note that under special circumstances, including authorized bon fires or environmental restoration, the Fire Chief or Fire Inspector may grant permission for such controlled burns.

IF YOU LIVE WITHIN THE TOWNS OF SPRINGFIELD, VIENNA AND WESTPORT AND WITHIN THE WAUNAKEE FIRE DISTRICT:

You may be permitted to burn yard waste, brush or construction debris under the following conditions:

Prior to commencement of the burn, you have applied for and received a Burn Permit from the Waunakee Fire Department;

The burn is completed and fully extinguished during daylight hours;

Continually supervised by an adult and extinguished if to be left unattended;

A fire extinguisher, garden hose or other fire control device is present;

Located at least 15 feet away from any structure, and never on a porch, deck or patio constructed of combustible materials;

Discontinued if unsafe open burning atmospheric conditions exist (i.e. winds in excess of ten miles per hour, dry weather conditions);

Discontinued if it becomes a nuisance for other properties, obstructs vehicular traffic or is a health concern of others.

You may request a burn permit via our online form. HOWEVER you must receive a confirmation email or phone call from us acknowledging and approving the burn.